Monday, March 25, 2024
As you read through Mark 13, you will see Peter, James, John, and Andrew dealing with the end of times and Jesus’ second coming. It’s so easy to get caught up in the analysis of the how and when Jesus will return, that you miss the most important point. Jesus WILL return, and we’ll need to be ready!
Mark 13:26-27
26 Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.
Christ’s second coming will be in stark contrast to when Jesus was originally sent to earth. When Jesus comes again, he will supernaturally appear in the clouds, and every eye will witness his return (Revelations 1:7). He will not come back as a humble human; he will return as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelations 19:16). He first came to save us from our sins, but he will return to judge us for our sins (Acts 17:30). Make no mistake, Jesus’ second coming will happen, and we need to be ready.
Mark 13:31-33
31 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 32 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 33 And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!”
Verse 31 can be disturbing if you take it literally. Will heaven and earth actually disappear? Likely, it means, the governments and controls of the present time will give way to God’s Kingdom. But the bottom line is, since no one knows when Jesus will return, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for that time.
Jesus drives the point home when he reiterates this idea of being ready as he closes out the chapter with a relatable story about a man going on a long trip (Mark 13:34-37). We are encouraged to keep watch and not be sleeping. We must be ready or be left out!
Will you be ready?
Questions:
Are you ready for Jesus’ return or are you distracted by earthly things? If you are distracted, what can you do to put your focus back on Jesus?
Would you live your life differently if you knew Jesus was returning next month or even next year? Why would the timing make a difference?
Next Steps:
According to the YouVersion Bible, there are ways to guard our lives to be ready for Jesus’ return.
Be constantly in a prayerful communication with God so that we can discern his will.
Always pray to be ready to meet him face to face.
Ask the Holy Spirit to carry us through any challenges or trials.
Don’t let ourselves be fooled by people who are trying to determine the future.
Develop this list further with specific items that will help you be prepared.
Prayer:
Dear Father Almighty, we do not know when Jesus will return, so please prepare us now. Help us to stay alert and disciplined. Thank you for the grace you offer us every day. Grant us wisdom to live out our purpose of expanding your Kingdom by introducing unbelievers to the Word of Jesus. I pray all this in his magnificent name, amen.
This post was written by Jennifer Macke, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.